A head shot of a young woman with Down syndrome, smiling.

Equal Lives, Equal Rights: Challenging Organ Transplant Discrimination Against People With Disabilities

Over 100,000 individuals in the United States are waiting for an organ transplant, including many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Thousands of people die each year waiting for a transplant. Unfortunately, many people with IDD get rejected at such high rates that it has become an ethical medical issue.1 For example, a study showed that individuals with IDD were 62% less likely to receive a kidney transplant.2

The National Council on Disability released a report about organ transplant discrimination. The report shared beliefs that some medical professionals had about people with disabilities. Some doctors believe that those with IDD would not be able to comply with postoperative care. Other doctors believe that disability impacts the likelihood of having a successful transplant.3 However, research has shown that these are myths. Many studies show that transplant outcomes for people with disabilities are not worse than those who do not have disabilities.4

Thankfully, some professionals understand that having a disability does not mean a person should be less eligible for an organ transplant. Thanks to organ donations, people like Charlotte Woodward can survive and live fulfilling lives!

A head shot of a young woman with Down syndrome, smiling.Charlotte is an advocate with Down syndrome who was born with a congenital heart defect. She had to undergo multiple surgeries as a child and finally received a heart transplant in 2012. The journey to get her heart transplant had its challenges, but she used her experience to fight to make sure everyone had access to organ transplants. To make this a reality, Charlotte spoke with policymakers about creating a bill about organ transplant discrimination. Members of Congress created the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act. This bill would prohibit health care entities from denying a person access to a transplant due to their disability.

For decades, The Arc has supported legislation, regulations, and policies that address organ transplant discrimination. Charlotte’s bill’s introduction in Congress was successful. The Arc will continue to advocate that organ transplant discrimination is wrong and needs to end.

Charlotte is also a member of The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates. Charlotte offers this advice for other self-advocates who are tirelessly working to advance legislation: “Never give up. If you don’t speak up for yourself and don’t demand what you want and need, you’re not going to get it.”

If you are a self-advocate looking for effective advocacy tips, join our National Council of Self-Advocates.

 

 

 

1 https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/people-with-autism-intellectual-disabilities-fight-bias-in-transplants/2017/03/04/756ff5b8-feb2-11e6-8f41-ea6ed597e4ca_story.html

2 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/2801511

3 https://www.ncd.gov/assets/uploads/reports/2019/ncd_organ_transplant_508.pdf

4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9932938/

A woman in a wheelchair is holding a tablet and showing it to a man seated next to her who is holding a clipboard. They are in a work setting.

How and Why to Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month

A woman in a wheelchair is holding a tablet and showing it to a man seated next to her who is holding a clipboard. They are in a work setting.Each October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we celebrate the contributions, achievements, and potential of people with disabilities in the workplace.

Employees with disabilities are dependable, loyal, and eager to learn—and research shows that their inclusion in the workforce improves overall employee retention rate and morale. However, people with disabilities have been marginalized and misunderstood for generations, and up to 85% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) remain unemployed.

How to Celebrate NDEAM in October (And Year-Round)

Here are a few ways you can observe and celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Learn about the value of people with disabilities in the workforce.

Share your disability employment story and help someone share theirs.

The Arc has many disability employment success stories from both employees and employers. Read them and share them with your networks.

If you have a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor with a disability who is employed, encourage them to share their story. Let’s help more people understand the value that people with disabilities bring to the workforce. Share your stories on social media using #NDEAM or even reach out to your local news. Be sure to join The Arc’s celebration by following us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn and engaging with stories from the people we serve.

Look at your company’s disability hiring practices.

  • If you’re not actively hiring people with disabilities, here’s a tip sheet to help you get started.
  • Review your company’s policies and processes to make sure they are inclusive and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Train managers and supervisors to make sure they understand implicit bias and their role in fostering an inclusive workplace.
  • Post about NDEAM in your newsletter, on your website, or on social media to help increase awareness.
  • Participate in Disability Mentoring Day, which takes place on the third Wednesday in October.

Donate to organizations that actively promote workforce inclusion for people with disabilities.

The Arc has been fighting for the inclusion of people with IDD, such as autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, in all stages of life. This starts with education advocacy and resources, which is the foundation for meaningful opportunities, and continues into employment access. Support our work!

Is There a Theme for NDEAM in 2024?

Each year, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy selects a theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The 2024 NDEAM theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All” to affirm that disabled workers must have access to good jobs, every month of every year.

A diverse classroom with a teacher sitting on the floor next to two students, who are looking at a workbook.

The Ultimate Back-To-School Guide for Families of Children With Disabilities

The excitement of a new school year is in the air! For parents of children with disabilities, this time brings unique challenges and opportunities. At The Arc, we know that proper preparation can make all the difference in your child’s growth and success. Here are some practical tips to help you and your child start the school year off right and carry that momentum throughout the year.

  1. Have an open chat with your child about the upcoming year. What are they excited about? What’s making them nervous? Use this conversation to set clear expectations. You can even create a visual calendar together, marking important dates and milestones.
  2. Gradually ease back into the routine. Establish a consistent before and after-school routine that supports your child’s needs, like a calm morning routine, a dedicated homework space, or bedtime wind-down ritual. Keep your weekend plans light early in the school year to give your child time to relax.
  3. Give your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) a thorough review. Any changes your child has experienced over the summer or since the last IEP? Any assistive technologies that could help? Don’t hesitate to request an IEP meeting before school starts if needed. Keep a journal or digital record of your child’s progress, challenges, and successes throughout the year—it could be invaluable for future IEP meetings and tracking growth over time.
  4. Connect with your child’s teachers and service providers before school starts. Share your child’s strengths, interests, and hopes for the year. Collaborate on a communication plan that works for everyone. If your child is transitioning to a new school, start planning early. Work with the current and future schools to ensure a smooth transition and take your child on a school tour to familiarize them with their new environment. If your child is attending a before or after care program, establish a relationship with those staff, as well.
  5. Help your child develop self-advocacy. Teach them developmentally appropriate ways to express their needs and preferences at school, such as asking for a break when overwhelmed or requesting clarification on instructions.
  6. The first few weeks might be bumpy as everyone settles in. Give your child (and their educators) time to find their rhythm. Keep a close eye on how things are progressing. If you notice issues, don’t hesitate to speak up. Open and respectful communication can help address challenges early and bigger problems later.
  7. Recognize and celebrate your child’s efforts and achievements. This positive reinforcement can boost confidence and motivation throughout the school year.
  8. Build a support network for your child and yourself. Social connections and the sharing of experiences, tips, and resources can be incredibly valuable for your family. Your state’s DD Council, local chapter of The Arc, and inclusive extracurricular activities can help open doors to other families of children with disabilities.
  9. Feeling unsure about your child’s services or supports? The Arc@School is your go-to resource for understanding your rights and finding help when you need it. Knowledge is power—empower yourself to ensure your child gets the education they deserve.

Remember, your well-being matters too. Taking time for yourself, whether it’s a quiet moment with a book or a chat with a friend, can help you stay energized and focused as you support your child’s educational journey.

You’re not alone in this—we’re here to help every step of the way. Let’s make this school year a great one!

A person wearing an orange jumpsuit behind handcuffed from behind.

Understanding the Fight to Protect People With Intellectual Disability From Execution

The Arc of the United States, along with our partners, recently filed an amicus brief in a critical case before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Ex Parte Blaine Milam. This case highlights an ongoing issue in our criminal justice system: the unconstitutional execution of people with intellectual disability (ID).

Here’s what you need to know about this important fight for justice.

The Background

In 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Atkins v. Virginia that executing people with ID violates the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The Arc played a crucial role in this landmark decision, with our amicus brief cited by the Justices in support of their ruling. In Hall v. Florida (2014), the Court rejected an arbitrary cutoff for IQ scores in making the intellectual disability determination and emphasized the importance of courts using clinical standards in their analysis. In Moore v. Texas (2017 and 2019), the Court strengthened this precedent by emphasizing the need to rely on well-established scientific standards in making ID determinations in death penalty cases. The Arc filed amicus briefs in Atkins, Hall, and Moore to educate the Court on the clinical diagnosis of ID and ensure that people with ID are protected from the death penalty.

Despite these decisions, courts around the country too often continue to rely on stereotypes rather than scientific standards when determining ID in death penalty cases. This results in wrongful death sentences and executions. At the same time, people with ID are overrepresented at all stages of the criminal justice system, including being arrested, charged with a crime, and serving longer prison sentences once convicted than people without disabilities.

The Current Case

The case in Texas involves Blaine Milam, a death row inmate with intellectual disability. Mr. Milam was only 20 years old when he received his sentence and was scheduled to be executed in early 2019.  Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Moore v. Texas, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals suspended his execution to determine if he met the definition of ID. The state’s initial expert concluded that Mr. Milam met the standard for an ID diagnosis, but the state later retained a new expert who disagreed. Despite Mr. Milam’s lawyers presenting reports from four medical experts on clinical errors in the evaluation done by the state’s new expert, that opinion was adopted, and the trial court decided to move forward with Mr. Milam’s execution. He is currently on death row.

Our amicus brief urges the court to rely on well-established clinical standards and Supreme Court precedent when determining ID, rather than outdated stereotypes.

Why This Matters

  1. Fair Treatment: People with ID are at a higher risk of wrongful convictions and death sentences. They may be more likely to falsely confess to a crime, struggle to understand their rights, and have difficulty working with their lawyers to prepare their own defense.
  2. Life or Death Stakes: In capital cases, an accurate determination of ID can literally mean life or death.
  3. Use of Clinical Standards: Under Atkins, states are constitutionally required to ensure that people with ID are not sentenced to death nor executed. Despite Supreme Court precedent, some states continue to rely on unscientific standards for determining and defining intellectual disability, leading to wrongful executions. While this case pertains to the death penalty, it’s critical that court decisions that impact the lives of people with disabilities are properly informed and considered and not relying on stereotypes and misinformation.

The Arc has deep sympathy for the family and friends of victims in this case and supports appropriate punishment of all responsible parties. However, it is critical that courts utilize clinical standards and abide by the Constitution. In Mr. Milam’s case, the State’s latter expert did not rely on clinical standards for diagnosing ID.

The Arc’s Position

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) must receive justice in our criminal justice system. We advocate so that:

  • All criminal justice personnel are knowledgeable and trained about IDD.
  • People with IDD have access to necessary supports, accommodations, treatment, and education throughout legal proceedings.
  • People with ID continue to be exempt from the death penalty.
  • States use accurate, scientific procedures to determine ID in capital cases.

Learn more in The Arc’s position statement on criminal justice.

Our Impact

The Arc has been at the forefront of this fight for decades. Since the Atkins decision in 2002, we’ve been actively involved in fighting for the rights of death row inmates with intellectual disability in federal and state courts across the country. We’ve filed numerous amicus briefs, appealed to lawmakers with clemency petitions, and continue to advocate more broadly for the rights of people with IDD in the criminal justice system.

The bottom line is that people’s lives will continue to be on the line if well-established clinical standards are not widely used to diagnose intellectual disability in our criminal justice system. We will continue our advocacy for justice for all people with IDD.

A woman with a visual impairment sits in a library, using a phone.

Empowering Through Technology: Major Initiative to Boost Digital Skills for Disabled Communities

The Arc and AT&T launch $850,000 collaboration to boost technology skills through accessible digital skills training

Imagine not being able to apply for jobs, access health care, or connect with loved ones online. For many with disabilities, this is the reality. Today, The Arc of the United States, The Arc San Francisco, and AT&T are excited to announce an $850,000 collaboration to advance digital literacy and bridge the digital divide for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This initiative will ensure that people with IDD and their families receive access to digital literacy resources and support in using these vital tools.

In today’s digital age, technology is essential for accessing transportation, education, employment, health care, and social interaction. However, people with disabilities face significant barriers to understanding and adopting digital tools, often due to higher rates of poverty and limited access to adaptive technologies. According to Pew Research Center, 38% of adults with disabilities do not own a computer, compared to 19% of those without disabilities, and 28% of people with disabilities do not own a smartphone, compared to just 12% of the nondisabled population.

Together, The Arc and AT&T will provide $20,000 grants to 24 local chapters and $10,000 grants to 2 local chapters of The Arc, empowering them to train 6,250 people with IDD. These chapters will deliver accessible, easy-to-understand digital literacy training through both in-person and virtual workshops. Participants will benefit from plain language materials and adaptive technologies such as screen readers and accessible devices, ensuring everyone can effectively use digital tools.

The 26 chapters receiving grants are: AHRC Nassau (NY), Arc GLOW (NY), CCARC Inc. (CT), Mohave County Arc (AZ), Northeast Arc (MA), Ridge Area Arc (FL), The Arc of Bartholomew County and The Arc of Jackson County* (IN), The Arc of Bradford County (FL), The Arc of Butte County (CA), The Arc of the Capital Area (TX), The Arc of DFW Area (TX), The Arc of El Paso (TX), The Arc of Evansville (IN), The Arc of High Point (NC), The Arc of Illinois, The Arc Maryland, The Arc of Mid Ohio Valley (WV), The Arc Muskegon (MI), The Arc of Nevada, The Arc of Oklahoma, The Arc of Racine County (WI), The Arc for the River Valley (AR), The Arc of South Carolina, The Arc Southern Maryland, and The Arc of Virginia.

*Partnering and splitting funds

“A lack of access to technology and digital skills robs millions of people with disabilities of their independence and the ability to fully engage in community life,” said Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States. “The digital divide closes doors to employment, education, health resources, and human connections that many of us take for granted. The pandemic has amplified these inequities, making it even more urgent to address the digital skills gap for people with disabilities. This collaboration with AT&T is a crucial step towards ensuring that everyone can harness the extraordinary possibilities that technology offers.”

“Access to the internet is just one part of the digital divide. Knowing how to use it effectively is just as important,” said Mylayna Albright, AVP, Corporate Social Responsibility, AT&T. “This collaboration with The Arc will provide high-quality digital literacy and learning resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the country.”

In addition to direct training, The Arc of the United States will launch a public awareness campaign aimed at reaching over 3 million people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to digital literacy resources. From June 2024 through May 2025, this collaboration will equip those who are often left behind with essential technology skills, empowering them to learn, earn, and fully participate in their communities.

 

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About The Arc of the United States: The Arc advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy, and other diagnoses. Founded in 1950 by parents who believed their children with IDD deserved more, The Arc is now a network of nearly 600 chapters across the country promoting and protecting the human rights of people with IDD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Through the decades, The Arc has been at the forefront of advances in disability rights and supports. There are over 7 million people with IDD in the United States, which encompasses over 100 different diagnoses. Visit www.thearc.org or follow us @TheArcUS to learn more. Editor’s Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc, not The ARC and never ARC. The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T: We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of our companywide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning® to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008 we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states, Washington D.C and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.

Media Contact:

Jackie Dilworth

dilworth@thearc.org

The Arc logo

Advocates Fight to Protect Texas Man With Intellectual Disability from Execution

In a new amicus brief, The Arc, Disability Rights Texas, and AAIDD urge Texas court to follow science, not stereotypes

WASHINGTON, DC – In a critical death penalty case, The Arc of the United States, The Arc of Texas, Disability Rights Texas, and the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), along with law firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, have filed a “friend-of-the-court” brief urging the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to protect people with intellectual disability from unconstitutional executions.

The group is taking a stand in support of accurate identification of intellectual disability in the case of Blaine Milam, an inmate now on death row. Their message to the court is clear: when it comes to determining who has intellectual disability, courts must refer to clinical standards—not stereotypes.

Shira Wakschlag, Senior Director of Legal Advocacy and General Counsel with The Arc of the United States: “The Arc’s advocacy led to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling more than 20 years ago that bars the execution of defendants with intellectual disability. Yet too often, outdated stereotypes and misconceptions lead to unjust outcomes, particularly in capital cases. We’re fighting to ensure that courts rely on clinical standards to ensure people with intellectual disability are properly identified and protected from execution. The stakes couldn’t be higher.”

Jason Kanterman, an attorney from Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP representing The Arc in this matter, commends The Arc and its team for their efforts in this case: “The Arc, Disability Rights Texas, and AAIDD play a pivotal role in protecting the rights and interests of individuals with intellectual disability and Fried Frank is proud to support these organizations in those efforts.”

The amicus brief comes at a critical time. Despite a 2002 U.S. Supreme Court ruling banning the execution of people with intellectual disability, the practice continues. In Atkins v. Virginia (2002), the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the special risk of wrongful execution faced by people with intellectual disability and banned their execution as cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. In Hall v. Florida (2014), the Court rejected an arbitrary cutoff for IQ scores in making the intellectual disability determination and emphasized the importance of courts consulting clinical standards in their analysis. In Moore v. Texas (2017 and 2019), the Court strengthened this precedent by emphasizing the need to rely on well-established clinical standards—rather than stereotypes—in making intellectual disability determinations in death penalty cases. The Arc and AAIDD filed amicus briefs in Atkins, Hall, and Moore to educate the Court on the clinical diagnosis of intellectual disability and ensure that the important precedent set in Atkins continues to be strengthened and upheld in jurisdictions around the country.

Maggie Nygren, EdD, Executive Director & CEO of AAIDD: “Twenty-two years post Atkins, people with intellectual disability, particularly people of color, are still vulnerable to wrongful convictions and death sentences. That’s because some states continue to rely on stereotypes rather than clinical standards for determining and defining intellectual disability.”

The amici have deep sympathy for the family and friends of victims in this case and support appropriate punishment of all responsible parties. However, it is critical that courts utilize clinical standards and abide by the Constitution. In Mr. Milam’s case, the State’s expert did not rely on clinical standards for diagnosing intellectual disability. This was after the State’s previous expert used the proper standards, concluding that Mr. Milam is a person with intellectual disability and should not be put to death.

This case in Texas could have far-reaching implications by undermining vital U.S. Supreme Court precedent on cruel and unusual punishment for people with intellectual disability. Executions have become less common as society’s perspectives on the death penalty have shifted. A growing number of states have been responding to these rising concerns by banning or putting a hold on executions. The pressure is mounting on other states to ensure their practices are constitutional.

The Arc and its partners will continue their fight to protect the rights of people with intellectual disability in the criminal justice system, ensuring that the Constitution’s protections extend to all.

 

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About The Arc of the United States: The Arc advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy, and other diagnoses. Founded in 1950 by parents who believed their children with IDD deserved more, The Arc is now a network of nearly 600 chapters across the country promoting and protecting the human rights of people with IDD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Through the decades, The Arc has been at the forefront of advances in disability rights and supports. There are over 7 million people with IDD in the United States, which encompasses over 100 different diagnoses. Visit www.thearc.org or follow us @TheArcUS to learn more. Editor’s Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc, not The ARC, and never ARC. The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase.

About The Arc of Texas: The Arc of Texas promotes, protects, and advocates for the human rights and self-determination of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Follow The Arc of Texas on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and learn more at thearcoftexas.org.

About Disability Rights Texas: Disability Rights Texas is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency (P&A) for people with disabilities in Texas established in 1977. Its mission is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society. To learn more, visit our website: www.drtx.org.

About the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD): Established in 1876, AAIDD is the oldest and largest professional society in the U.S. concerned with intellectual and developmental disabilities. AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with IDD. AAIDD engages its members and the general public through its three highly regarded professional journals, catalog of well-respected books and assessment tools, quality educational programming, and partnerships with other leaders within the disability community to address issues that are important to people with disabilities and their families.  Learn more at www.aaidd.org.

About Fried Frank: Fried Frank’s more than 750 lawyers are located in the key financial and government centers of New York, Washington, DC, London, Frankfurt and Brussels. The firm provides highly commercial guidance on sophisticated transactions, advises some of the largest private equity and asset management firms in the world, and develops effective litigation strategies to address its clients’ most critical challenges. More information can be found at www.friedfrank.com.

Lawrence Sapp swimming in a race. He is wearing a swim cap and goggles.

Paralympic Swimmer Lawrence Sapp: Defying Expectations About IDD

From an early age, Lawrence Sapp found his calling in swimming. His parents enrolled him on a summer swim team at just 5 years old, hoping it would help their son find his voice and a life-saving skill. Little did they know, swimming would become Lawrence’s passion and lead him to incredible heights.Lawrence Sapp swimming in a race. He is wearing a swim cap and goggles.

Lawrence started competitive swimming at age 12 and hasn’t looked back. Now 22, Lawrence is a student and NCAA Division 2 swimmer at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. He’s also a trailblazing Paralympic athlete, shattering stigmas about what’s possible for people with autism and intellectual disabilities. In 2020, Lawrence made history as the first male Paralympic swimmer with autism and an intellectual disability to join the Team USA National A team. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, he placed 5th in the 100m butterfly, 12th in the 200m individual medley, and 14th in the 100m backstroke. As he shared, “I was proud that I could represent my country in a sport that I love.” Lawrence will also be competing with Team USA for the 2024 Paris Paralympics in August and already has his sights set on Los Angeles 2028.

The path was not easy at first, as Lawrence struggled to find high-level training tailored for swimmers with intellectual disabilities. So, Lawrence sought out coaches open to learning and adapting alongside him. The tools they developed for Lawrence’s success, like writing out sets on a whiteboard, ended up benefiting many swimmers because accommodations can lift up entire teams, not just individuals with disabilities. The coaches credit Lawrence with helping them cultivate more patience and compassion and becoming better coaches overall.

“I had to learn to be more patient while they figured things out,” Lawrence shared. “I also learned how to speak up when I felt that I wasn’t getting what I needed. My USA Swimming coaches were also very supportive.”

Lawrence Sapp sitting on a bench, wearing a "Team USA" t-shirt and smiling.That perseverance continues to propel Lawrence to chase his dreams, powering him through twice daily swim sessions plus lifting when he’s at school and daily 4:30 am swims during breaks. “I have goals that I want to reach, and I just focus on my goals and what I need to do to achieve those goals,” he says of how he stays focused. His pre-meet routine of eating sandwiches and spaghetti helps him fuel up.

Lawrence and his family standing together, smiling.Beyond the pool, Lawrence hopes his story will shatter misconceptions about people with disabilities and their potential. “They think that we are happy with letting people do things for us and telling us what to do,” he says of societal attitudes toward autism and intellectual disabilities. “They don’t think that we are capable of making decisions for ourselves and can do things independently.” Lawrence also plans to “graduate from college in 2025, get a job doing something I love, and one day have my own home.”

To others with disabilities pursuing big dreams, Lawrence’s message is one of empowerment: “I would tell them not to give up. Talk to people that can help you and don’t let people trick you into doing something else. You can do anything you want to do.”

With an impressive roster of World Championships experience and medals—including 2 golds and 1 silver in butterfly and backstroke events from 2017-2023—it seems there’s no limit to how far Lawrence’s perseverance can take him.

“My dream is to make the Team USA team…and show people what people with autism and intellectual disabilities can do if you support us and include us,” he said. “We are always told what we can’t do but people with disabilities need to be shown what they can do.”

Lawrence is doing just that—and so much more.

A crowd of graduating students against a black backdrop. They are all raising their right arm and turning the tassels on their caps to the other side.

Unlocking Dreams: The Power of Student Loan Forgiveness for People With Disabilities

Many see college as a path to a better life and unlocking their dreams. But student debt often stops this, especially for people with disabilities. A major reason is due to income. People with disabilities experience poverty more than double the rate of individuals without disabilities.

A study found that nearly 3 in 5 people with disabilities with student loans struggle with food insecurity and paying house or utility bills. Facing these challenges can force borrowers to take additional jobs to pay for debt. It can stop people from buying houses or cars or seeking more education. On average, people with disabilities graduate with $27,490 in student loan debt and many have a debt of over $100,000.

The Arc has been a leader in advocating for changes to the Total and Permanent Disability (TDP) Discharge Program to include automation, simplifying the program, and eliminating the monitoring period. TDP is a program that relieves people who are totally and permanently disabled from repaying certain federal student loans.

The Biden administration has made significant changes to TDP. Now, more than half a million people with disabilities have received student loan forgiveness since 2021.

A woman wearing a graduation cap and gown. One of those people is Renee.

Renee’s dream was to be a nurse. She was excelling in a nursing program and working in an intensive care unit while she finished her degree. Unfortunately, she injured her spine while moving a patient and that started her personal disability journey. Due to this injury, Renee’s nursing education ended. Determined to earn a degree to help others, she returned to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree in human and community services and a master’s degree in social and public policy.

Right before graduating from her master’s program, Renee needed emergency spine surgery. The surgery and recovery made her unable to complete the required internship for her program. Because of this, she couldn’t work in her chosen field.

By this point, Renee was over $100,000 in debt with no way to get a good-paying job in her field. Her family was unable to make the $1,000 monthly student loan payments, and it made it more difficult for them purchase the things they needed for their family. Renee learned about the TPD loan forgiveness opportunity. She applied and she later discovered that her student loans were discharged. Renee stated that this relief was a blessing. Not only were they able to purchase things that their family needed, but it opened doors for her family to buy a home.

Student loan debt is a disability rights issue. The Arc has relentlessly advocated for changes to relieve people with disabilities from student loan debt. Learn more about TDP here.

The Home Depot logo

The Home Depot Collaborates With Disability Community to Enhance Employment Access for Job Seekers With IDD

In an innovative partnership, The Home Depot has collaborated with leading disability rights organizations to remove barriers and improve job access for applicants with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Home Depot worked closely with The Arc of the United States, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), and Equip for Equality (EFE) to develop policy changes that will create a more equitable hiring process for this underrepresented talent pool.

As part of this process, The Home Depot undertook a comprehensive review of its entry level hiring and reasonable accommodation process and, with advice and input from The Arc and ASAN, made adjustments to avoid the potential for unintended screen out of applicants with IDD. The changes that The Home Depot has implemented include explaining up front, and in plain language, more details about the steps in the company’s hiring process and the availability of reasonable accommodations, including by providing examples of specific accommodations for applicants with IDD, such as obtaining assistance from a job coach or support person and the ability to ask for a waiver of The Home Depot’s online assessment, as well as conducting additional training on inclusive and accessible hiring practices that includes the recent changes.

Research from a collaboration between Accenture, Disability:IN, and the American Association of People with Disabilities shows that companies that employ people with disabilities financially outperform companies that don’t. In addition, people with disabilities, on average, stay in their jobs longer than their counterparts without disabilities. Despite this, people with IDD continue to face unemployment and underemployment. Roughly 85% of people with IDD are unemployed. Many want to work and have skills to contribute but are not given serious consideration or opportunities. Among those who are employed, people with IDD are working fewer than 13 hours a week on average and less than one-fifth of them are getting any workplace benefits. This collaborative partnership is paving the way for more inclusion.

A good job is a key part of living a meaningful and inclusive life in the community for many people with IDD,” said Katy Neas, Chief Executive Officer, The Arc. “For too long, this talented and capable workforce has faced barriers that shut them out from reaching their full potential. Today’s announcement represents a pivotal step forward. By proactively listening to people with disabilities, The Home Depot is taking decisive action to dismantle employment obstacles. This collaborative approach marks a shift toward true equity and respect for people with IDD to pursue meaningful careers.”

“Progress has been achieved today through dialogue and partnership between disability advocates and Home Depot,” said Zena Naiditch, President and CEO, Equip for Equality. “We are delighted to partner with Home Depot to develop solutions that will ensure greater access to employment for job seekers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The proactive approach Home Depot is taking is critically important to ensuring greater access to employment for people with disabilities.”

“We’re hopeful that this collaboration will result in a more inclusive hiring process and job opportunities for people with IDD,” said Avery Outlaw, Executive Director, Autistic Self Advocacy Network.

A man with WAGR syndrome sits at a table in a restaurant. He is hugging and being hugged by another man and a young boy.

Spotlighting The Arc’s Changemakers: Burt Hudson, Treasurer of the Board of Directors

Burt and John, a man with WAGR syndrome, stand together with their arms around each other.Family is at the heart of Burt Hudson’s connection to The Arc.

Burt’s younger brother John, who he introduces as “my best friend for as long as I’ve been alive,” has an intellectual and developmental disability called WAGR syndrome. His love for John is boundless, but as a teenager, Burt was mad at the world for giving John a more difficult path, including a near-death experience. But John always brought Burt’s life back into focus because he was his rock. As he shares, “I am the man I am today in many ways because of my brother.”

Burt’s life came full circle when he and his wife Kim welcomed their first child, Jack.

Despite genetic testing showing the absence of trisomy during pregnancy, Burt and Kim were surprised to learn that their “beautiful little guy” had Down syndrome at birth. As Burt reflects, “The night Jack was born, I said to my wife, ‘Without my brother in my life, I would have never become the man you would have married.’” Burt and Kim didn’t hesitate about the road ahead because “There is no playbook for anyone… If you love your child as much as you can today, tomorrow will get figured out. And just like my brother, we’ll watch Jack change the world for the better.”

Burt and his newborn son sitting in a reclining chair, sleeping together while a dog looks at the baby.Jack is now 9 years old and—despite a speech delay from childhood apraxia of speech—he is a complex, smart, and kind third grader. He loves riding horses, dancing to Bruno Mars and Maroon 5, drumming, and acting out Muppets movies. He also has a 6-year-old younger brother, James, and “They have been a duo ever since James was born.” Burt recalls a memory from his childhood when he and his brother were wrestling in the ocean, showing John was just another sibling. The same camaraderie is seen between Jack and James.

Burt’s mom has “always strived to make sure John can live an independent life.” That’s why she has long been involved in advocacy efforts with The Arc’s chapters in Georgia, where Burt grew up and John now lives in an inclusive group home not far from his parents and brother. As Burt shares, “he’s very proud to be a man on his own.”

It wasn’t until his adulthood, though, that Burt’s mom asked him to participate in a plane pull fundraiser for her chapter of The Arc. Burt eagerly flew to Georgia to pitch in. He hit it off with the Executive Director, who fatefully connected him to The Arc of Virginia, where he has served on the Board for 13 years and still going strong. After Jack’s birth, he became even more passionate about his role as a volunteer. “In the midst of the exhaustion, I decided I had to do more for The Arc. So, I went on to The Arc of the United States’ website and saw an application for joining the Budget and Finance Committee. Over the years, I got to know several staff and board members and was asked to join the Board.”Two young boys, one with Down syndrome, wear warm, winter jackets, and are sitting together outside.

Burt’s career has also been influenced by John and Jack. He is COO of LeadingAge, a community of service providers for older adults and people with disabilities. “As a compassionate society, we must take care of others. I’ve never known anything different.”

What continues to drive Burt’s involvement in The Arc is gratitude for the progress made for people with disabilities. He shares, “It is gut-wrenching what our society has done to people with disabilities historically, and it’s frightening to ever try to picture my brother or my son living in those kinds of conditions. I don’t know how people started to right those wrongs, but I know The Arc was at the forefront of it. So, I give back to The Arc in any way I can because it’s done so much for people like my brother and my son. The best part is that the people we serve are sitting next to me at the table. The Arc is led by people with disabilities and caregivers, which I find unique and special. I’ve met a lot of people through The Arc and the ones who make the biggest impact on me are those who have disabilities. These are the people who tell me how I can help The Arc. When my son was born and I had my own health challenges, these same people supported me. All these people had the Hudsons’ back and I’ll continue to have theirs.”

A man with WAGR syndrome sits at a table in a restaurant. He is hugging and being hugged by another man and a young boy.Burt wants people with disabilities and their loved ones to know they can always turn to The Arc for guidance. “The Arc is a wonderful resource full of wonderful people, one that generations of families have relied on to find the path they need to be walking.” As Treasurer of our national Board, Burt is heartened to see The Arc remain strong through the decades. “There’s a lack of compassion and a lack of love all around us, and The Arc is the heart of this country. It shows the strength we have when we’re banded together with a common cause and love for each other. The consistent light The Arc has provided gives me comfort and hope that we’ll get through anything.”

Thanks to The Arc and its advocates, it’s easy to imagine a bright future for Jack. Burt shares, “My hope for both my kids is to find the best happy path for their lives. I want Jack to live a full and independent life just like my brother John.”

He sums up, “I volunteer as a thank you to the entire federation of The Arc. I don’t think there’s a way to appropriately thank everyone for what they’ve done for my brother and my son. There’s no way to say thank you enough, but I’ll keep volunteering my time until I figure it out.”